Can you help me please to solve this problem i had and try to fix for 3 days. I try to install SQL Server 2012 Express Edition and i obtain this error message : "Could not find the Database Engine startup handle : error 0x851A0019" My OS is Windows 8.1 I also try to install SQLServer 2008 Express Edition and i have the same problem But las year i installed with success on Windows Seven. I dont understand where is the problem with Windows 8.1 I'm very frustrated againt Microsoft politics. We lost time for simple operations.

SQL Server 2008 has to be installed with SP3 (splistream or installed within the package).

Regarding the error "Could not find the Database Engine startup handle : error 0x851A0019". You have to check in the fileC:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\LOG if the SQL Server is starting (or not) and dig deeper afterwards.

If the SQL Server is starting succesfully, there might be some lack of permissions on the account with the account you are running the setup.

Check that you have the following permissions-Backup files and directories SeBackupPrivilege-Debug Programs SeDebugPrivilege-Manage auditing and security log SeSecurityPrivilegeFor more info check:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2000257